A large group of RFS volunteers helped farwell Alf Quigg at the Billimari fire shed.
The Billimari Bushfire Brigade recently held a farewell celebration in their shed for a long-serving and much-loved member of the Rural Fire Service who is, unfortunately, leaving for the warm sand and greener pastures of sunny Queensland.
Alf Quigg has been a volunteer member of the RFS for 57 years. Throughout this time Alf has witnessed many storms, battled many blazes and even saved lives after car accidents. Alf has always given 110% when helping out throughout the Central West and beyond, which has earned him the utmost respect of his fellow RFS members.
Alf has also made many mates along the way. One of those is Ken McNamara, who kindly shared some light-hearted stories about Alf on the night. Canobolas Zone Superintendent Brett Bowden also made an excellent speech, praising Alf for his many years of service to Billimari and the wider community, and presented him with his farewell gifts on behalf of the RFS. It was a pleasure to have Alf’s sons, grandkids and extended family make the trip over from Parkes and Trundle so that they could join the celebrations on the night.
A big thank you to Deputy Captain Daniel Smith and Secretary Ernie Shankleton for catering for the event. All attendees enjoyed a fantastic barbecue with plenty of salads and potato bake and were even treated to Ernie’s homemade beef sausages. The RFS would like to wish Alf and his wife Daphne all the very best for their retirement to the Gold Coast!If you are interested in joining a great team and volunteering for the Billimari Rural Fire Service, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with Secretary Ernie Shankleton on 0408 722 372. Membership is open to anyone aged 16 and over.
Ken McNamara shared stories about Alf on the night.